The Train Rolls On (1973): cast, story & where to watch

1973 · Film · ★ 6.3

The Train Rolls On poster

Released in 1973, The Train Rolls On is a documentary film directed by Chris Marker, running about 32 minutes.

What it’s about. This half-hour documentary focuses on Medvedkin and his CineTrain of the 1930s, a sort of mobile film workshop, complete with post-production facilities, animation stations and a large laboratory. Traveling thousands of miles across the Russian countryside, the train stopped to have its filmmakers document Ukranian harvest practices, steel production facilities in southern Russia and other industrial / agricultural matters; With each crew member living in 1 square meter living quarters, all individuals on the train were responsible for various odd-jobs and other practical matters in addition to their own film-making concerns.

Who’s in it. The Train Rolls On stars Aleksandr Medvedkin as Himself and François Périer as Narrator.

How it landed. With an audience score of 6.3/10, The Train Rolls On has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Train Rolls On page.

If you liked it. Fans of The Train Rolls On tend to enjoy One Direction: This Is Us, Burn the Stage: The Movie, BTS World Tour: Love Yourself - Japan Edition and Senna.

Frequently asked

Where can I watch The Train Rolls On (1973)?
Streaming, rental and purchase options for The Train Rolls On change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
Is The Train Rolls On worth watching?
The Train Rolls On holds an audience score of 6.3 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy documentary. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
Who stars in The Train Rolls On?
The Train Rolls On stars Aleksandr Medvedkin and François Périer.
When was The Train Rolls On released?
The Train Rolls On was released in 1973, with a runtime of about 32 minutes.